site.btaComprehensive Work Needed on Replacing Motorway Crash Barriers - Regional Minister

Comprehensive work is needed on the regulation on motorway crash barriers, because mechanical replacement, without delving into the problem in depth, may have no effect, said Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Shishkov during Friday's question time in Parliament. Shishkov was responding to a question from MP Petar Petrov from Vazrazhdane regarding control carried out by the Road Infrastructure Agency for the installation, maintenance and condition of crash barriers on the Trakia motorway.

From the minister's words, it emerged that after a series of incidents that raised the question of the quality of the crash barriers on Bulgarian motorways, he ordered a comprehensive inspection of the contracts and the condition of the guardrails in the country. In parallel, the public procurement for the supply of crash barriers was terminated on June 30. Until new contracts are concluded, the supply and repair of the guardrails are planned to be assigned to the state-owned company Avtomagistrali, the minister explained.

In his words, no crash barrier can guarantee the prevention of all possible consequences in the event of a crash, and it would be unprofessional to conclude in advance that a specific incident occurred because of the type of crash barrier.

Shishkov stated that there is no timetable for replacing the crash barrier. He expressed confidence that through Avtomagistrali a better effect will be achieved in replacing the crash barriers on time, since the company is under the control of the Ministry of Regional Development.